Journal to examine state literacy efforts

Nothing is more fundamental to learning than reading comprehension. Mississippi students have long trailed the nation in literacy skills, and our adult population has a high functional illiteracy rate. Improving reading in the state has become a primary focus of educators, policymakers and private foundations, but promising past efforts have never produced sustained results.
On Sunday, the Daily Journal, as part of its year-long “The State of Our Schools” series, begins a five-day examination of the challenges of literacy improvement in Mississippi. The series will begin on the front page each day through Thursday.